Apparatus And Methods For Joining Poles For Supporting A Structure

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and system allows for poles, for example, tent poles, to be interlocked after they have been assembled into the desired supporting structure. The apparatus includes a body with a bore extending through the body for accommodating a pole and a channel extending into the body for accommodating another pole. The channel facilitates attachment of the pole in a snap-fit or other interlocking fit. The poles may be formed of segments, for example, that join together in male-female fits.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application SerialNo.: 10-2007-0110930, filed Nov. 1, 2007, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter is directed to apparatus and methods forjoining supporting structures, such as flexible poles, that are used tosupport structures such as tents.

BACKGROUND

Camping and backpacking tents are designed to be light-weight, compactand easily and quickly set up. As such, all modem tents are made ofhighly flexible fabrics and a structurally supportive assembly of poles.The total structural assembly is usually referred as a “pole set”. The“pole set” includes multiple poles, each of the poles are formed frommultiple sections. Typically, pole sections are strung togetherlongitudinally with an elastic cord to provide a small longitudinaltensioning force that facilitates pole assembly and handling during setup.

For example, tent poles are typically assemblies of long tubes that arelongitudinally interconnected by slide-fit joints to make long thinstructural supports. These poles are flexed into curved shapes that theninterface with and support the tent fabric For example, a classictwo-pole wedge tent for two people would typically have a simple poleset comprised of two 146.5″ long, straight poles, each pole composed often 16″ long sections, each section with means to interconnect with thenext section resulting in a 1.5″ overlap in length at each of the nineinterconnections; the pole sections being held together by an elasticshock cord threaded lengthwise down the middle of the tubular sections.

Increasingly, modem tents have branched pole structures due tobetween-pole interconnections. This is done to save weight and toincrease strength. In the case of clipping the poles to fabric, thereare two distinct types of clips. One type simply encircles the pole andanother kind mates to components fixed on the pole.

Erecting a conventional tent includes laying out the fabric body of thetent, assembling the pole sections into poles, and connecting the polesto the tent. In the case of sleeves in the tent, the poles are threadedthrough the sleeves by being slid through the long thin channel offabric, that is the sleeve. It is very difficult, if not impossible, tothread an interconnected or branched pole through a sleeve.

SUMMARY

The present disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus forfacilitating the interlocking of support poles in a quick and easymanner, normally as one of the last steps in setting up the requisitestructure, just before the structure is erected. As used herein,“structure” is a collective term for any form of shelter, enclosure,dwelling, housing, or the like, and may include a tent. This allows foreasy set up of the structure, and allows for new support configurationsto be used for structures.

The present disclosed subject matter allows for tent poles to beattached to each other in a robust and convenient manner once the tentis substantially erected. This attachment may occur after poles havebeen threaded through sleeves in the tent fabric and/or clips have beenused to attach the tent poles to the tent fabric.

The present disclosed subject matter includes a clipping structure,allowing for the apparatus to clip to the tent fabric. This clippingstructure allows a branched and interconnected pole structure to beinstalled and removed, with minimal strength and difficulty, even byinexperienced outdoors people. For example, separate poles may beselectively attached and removed from an apparatus of the disclosedsubject matter rather than as a single unwieldy unit.

The apparatus of the present disclosed subject matter allows the polesto be interlocked after they have been assembled into the desiredsupporting structure. This may occur both before and after the poleshave been threaded through sleeves in the tent fabric. For example,after the pole is threaded, the apparatus of the disclosed subjectmatter allows the pole to be interlocked to a mating pole, thusestablishing an interlocking pole structure for the tent. Additionally,disassembly of the poles from the apparatus of the disclosed subjectmatter is easier, when compared to conventional tent pole assemblies.

The apparatus of the present disclosed subject matter also allows therelative positioning of poles that have been secured together.

The disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for connectingat least a first pole and a second pole. The apparatus includes a body,for example, of a resilient material. The body includes a bore extendingthrough the body, that receives and retains a first pole. There is alsoa channel extending into the body for receiving a second pole in asnap-fit, or other interlocking fit, and retaining the pole in thechannel in a locking manner. The channel is shaped so as to be partiallycylindrical, of, for example, a cross sectional shape that is partiallyrounded or partially circular. The partially cylindrical shape extendsinto the body, and is, for example, of an arc greater than 180°. Thechannel includes an open area, defining an opening for receiving thesecond pole. The body is such that the bore and the channel are, forexample, oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other. Thechannel may also include grooves and/or protruding ridges for receivingpoles with ring members, for seating in the grooves, or gaps, forfitting over the protruding ridges, respectively, for additionalsecurement of the pole in the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like numerals orcharacters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tent showing the disclosed subjectmatter in an exemplary operation;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an alternate arrangement of apparatus of thedisclosed subject matter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the body of the first embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the first embodimenttaken along line 3-3 of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 6-9 are cross-sectional views of the first embodiment taken alongline 3-3 of FIG. 3 showing pole assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the second embodimenttaken along line 10-10 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional of assembly of mating pole ends for thesecond embodiment;

FIGS. 13-16 are cross-sectional views of the second embodiment takenalong line 10-10 of FIG. 10 showing pole assembly;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment taken alongline 11-11 of FIG. 11 showing the pole assembly complete;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the third embodimenttaken along line 18-18 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter showing pole assembly complete;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment shown in FIG.20 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 23 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the disclosed subjectmatter;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.22 taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are cross-sectional views of the fourth embodimentshown in FIG. 22 taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a side view of an apparatus in accordance with the fourthembodiment shown in an exemplary operation attached to tent fabric;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 27, takenalong line 27-27 of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the disclosedsubject matter; and,

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 29, takenalong line 29-29 of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a pole connector apparatus P1 (representative of poleconnector apparatus 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 f, and 100 g, alldetailed below) in an exemplary operation in use with a tent 10, forconnecting tent poles 50, 60, that form the support for the fabric 20 ofthe tent 10. The poles 50, 60, for example, are flexible, and may beflexed or flex into curved shapes (orientations). The tent material 20may include material loops 21 for receiving the tent poles 50, 60.Apparatus P1 may include a clip 300 (FIG. 24) that allows it to attachto the fabric 20 of the tent 10, to further support the fabric 20. FIG.2 is similar to FIG. 1, but a tent 10 a includes multiple connectorapparatus, a central apparatus P1 and peripheral apparatus P2, thatconnect tent poles 50, 60, 70 in an alternate manner. Similar toapparatus P1, apparatus P2 is also representative of apparatus 100 a,100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 f, and 100 g, all detailed below.

FIG. 3 shows a connector apparatus 100 a in an exemplary operation withtent poles 50, 60. The tent poles 50, 60 are typically identical anduniversal, of lightweight materials, such as polymers, composites,metals, fiberglass, and the like, and may be assembled from male 51, 61(with edge surfaces 51 a, 61 a and extension portions 51 b, 61 b) andfemale 52, 62 segments (with edge surfaces 52 a, 62 a and receiverportions 52 b, 62 b) (and also FIGS. 6-9). These segment 51, 52, 61, 62receive each other in a slideable manner in a male-female fit. The fitis frictionally snug, when the poles 50, 60 are flexed, such that thepoles 50, 60 remain attached, until the segments are unflexed andseparated from each other by strong manual pulling forces from a human,when the structure which the poles 50, 60 support is being disassembled

Turning also to FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector apparatus 100 a includes abody 100, with a channel 110, that includes an opening 111. The channel110 is, for example, of a partially circular cylindrical shape, at afirst end E1 of the body 100. This channel 110 receives the pole 50, forexample, along its surface 111 a in a frictionally secure engagement,such as a snap fitting engagement. For example, the channel 110 may beof a slightly lesser curvature, than the curvature of the pole 50, toadditionally facilitate the frictional engagement. Additionally, the arcof the channel 110 attributable to the space of the opening 111 is lessthan 180°, or alternately, less than half the circumference of thechannel 110 (and accordingly, the arc formed by the channel surface 111a is greater than 180°, or alternately, greater than half thecircumference of the channel 10) so that the pole 50, when inserted intothe channel 110 is engaged and interlocked therein (as shown, forexample in FIG. 9).

Legs 112 with openings 113 into the body 100 are positioned laterally tothe channel 110. The leg openings 113 provide additional resilience(elasticity or spring-like behavior) to the legs when during poleengagement and interlocking, as detailed below. An outwardly taperedledge 111 b may extend from the periphery 111 c of the channel 110, toprovide a clear path for the pole 50 upon engagement into the channel110 (detailed further below).

Openings 120 are in the midsection M of the body 100, and a bore 121extends between the openings 120. The bore 121, for example, includesportions of two diameters, a smaller diameter portion 121 a betweenlarger diameter portions 121 b. The difference in the diameter portions121 a, 121 b creates a shoulder 121 a′(FIG. 5) that serves as a stopsurface or limit of travel for pole segments 61, 62, or poles 60, thatare placed into and engaged in the bore 121, through the respectiveopenings 120. The bore portions 121 a, 121 b are of a diameter thatallows the pole segments 61, 62 or poles 60, to be slid into therespective portions 121 a, 121 b through the openings 120, and remainretained in the portion 121 a in a frictionally tight manner along thesurface 121 x (between the shoulders 121 a′). The surface 121 x is ofconstant length (the length indicated by the dimension “x” in FIG. 5),and although shown as continuous, may be discontinuous.

The opposite end E2 of the body 100 terminates in a foot 130. The foot130 may attach to a clip or the like, that is for fastening the body 100to the fabric of the tent or other structure, as shown in FIG. 26 anddescribed below.

The body 100 is, for example, a unitary member, made of resilientmaterials such as plastics, elastomers and the like that allow for apole to be snap fit into the channel 110 and frictionally engagedtherein, as well as frictionally engaged in the bore portion 121 a.Example materials, suitable for use as the body include, Polycarbonates,such as LEXAN® (General Electric Plastics) and Acetyl, such as DELRIN®(DuPont). The body 100 may be formed of these materials by conventionalforming techniques, such as injection molding, machining, and the like.

FIGS. 6-9 show a cross sectional view of the body 100, to show theconnector apparatus 100 a in an exemplary connection operation, wheretent poles 50, 60 are connected. Initially, as shown in FIG. 6, a maletent pole segment 61 has been inserted (for example, by sliding) intothe bore portion 121 a. This male tent pole segment 61 (the extendingportion 61 b) is received in the female segment 62 (in the receivingportion 62 b), for example by sliding into a male-female engagement,that is given sufficient tolerance so as to allow force transfer withoutnoticeable wobble, yet be easy to take apart by hand when disassembling.There is a gap 63 between the edge 61 a of the male member 61, and theedge 62 a of the female member 62, for example, of a length “G.” Thislength “G” is, for example, slightly greater than the length “x”, andcorresponds to the small diameter bore portion 121 a, as the respectiveedge surfaces 61 a, 62 a abut shoulders 121 a′ of the bore portion 121a, with a tolerance limiting their travel and movement in the bore 121.

Continuing in FIG. 7, the pole 50 now rests on the ledge 111 b at theopening 111 of the channel 110 (outside of the channel 110). The pole 50is now ready to be attached to the body 100, by being pushed into thechannel 110 of the body 100, in the direction of the arrow 150.

As shown in FIG. 8, the inward pushing of the pole 50 into the channel110 (in the direction of the arrow 150) causes the legs 112 of the body100 to flex outward, in the direction of the arrows 152. Once the pole50 seats in the channel 110, the legs 112 snap back (inward) to theirinitial positions or similar to these initial positions (depending onthe curvature of the channel 111) moving in direction of the arrows 154.With the legs 112 having returned to an inwardly oriented position, thepole 50 is frictionally engaged in the channel 110 of the body 100 (andthe pole 50 is in contact with the surface 111 a of the channel 110), asshown in FIG. 9. Alternately, in this interlocked position, the pole 50may be in contact with some of the surface 111 a of the channel 110 (forexample, as shown in FIG. 16).

FIGS. 10 and 11 show another embodiment apparatus 100 b of the disclosedsubject matter. This apparatus 100 b is similar to apparatus 100 a, incomponents, construction and materials. Identical and/or similarcomponents for this apparatus 100 b have the same numbers, as those forapparatus 100 a, and these components are in accordance with thedescriptions above, for apparatus 100 a. The differences betweenapparatus 100 b and apparatus 100 a are detailed below.

The apparatus 100 b includes a groove 114 in the channel 110, in thebody 100. The groove 114 is cut into the body 100 at the channel 110,and is of a depth and width suitable for accommodating a ring 200 orother surrounding member on the pole 50, that is engaged in the channel110. For example, the depth of the groove 114 is such that the pole 50can rest in the channel 110 in frictional contact with all or some ofthe channel surface 111 a, while the width of the groove 114 is slightlygreater than the width “g” of the ring 200, as shown in FIG. 12 toreceive the ring 200 in a frictionally secure manner. The ring 200, whenseated in the groove 114 of the channel 110, prevents the pole 50 fromsliding, once the pole 50 is engaged or interlocked in the channel 110,as shown in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 12-17 detail an exemplary assembly of tent poles 50 and 60 intothe apparatus 100 b. FIG. 12 details assembly of the pole 50 from a malesegment 51 and a female segment 52. The male segment 51 includes a mainportion 51 b′ from which the extension portion 51 b protrudes. Theextension portion 51 b is of a lesser diameter than that of the mainportion 51 b′, such that a shoulder 51 a′, defining an edge surface 51a, is formed at the junction of the portions 51 b′, 51 b. The edgesurface 51 a of the shoulder 51 a serves as a limit of travel for thering 200 (or the female segment 52 at its edge surface 52 a should thering 200 not be present).

The extension portion 51 b is, for example, of a constant diameter, suchthat the ring 200 can slide onto the portion 51 b and remain thereon ina frictionally snug manner, and the receiving portion 52 b of the femalesegment 52 receives the extension portion 51 b as it slides into thereceiving portion 52 b, in a frictionally snug manner. In a typicalengagement, to define a connected pole 50, the ring 200 abuts the edgesurface 51 a, and the edge surface 52 a (of the receiving portion 52 bof the female segment 52) abuts the ring 200. The ring 200 is, forexample, of a width slightly less than “g” (the gap 53 in the pole 50between segments 51, 52) and is dimensioned to sit in this gap 53 uponthe pole 50 being fully assembled (for engagement and retention in thechannel 110). In FIG. 13, the pole 60 has been connected to theapparatus 100 b, similar to that for apparatus 100 a, detailed above.The now connected pole 50 is positioned with respect to the body 100 ofthe apparatus 100 b, such that the ring 200 aligns with the groove 114.The pole 50 is moved into contact with the channel 110, in the directionof the arrow 160, such that the ring 200 seats in the groove 114, asshown in FIGS. 14-16.

Continued movement in the direction of the arrow 160 causes the legs112, to move outward, in the direction of the arrows 162, as shown inFIG. 15. Once the pole 50 seats in the channel 110, the legs 112 snapback (inward) to their initial positions or similar to these initialpositions (depending on the curvature of the channel 110) moving indirection of the arrows 164, as shown in FIG. 16. With the legs 112having returned to an inwardly oriented position, the ring 100 is seatedin the groove 114, with the surface of the pole in frictional contactwith all or some of the surface 111 a of the channel 110. The pole 50 isengaged in the channel 110 of the body 100, as shown in FIG. 17. Whilethe apparatus 100 b has been shown with a single groove 114, multiplegrooves 114 in the channel 110 are also possible. These multiple groovesmay accommodate a pole 50 with one or more rings 200.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show another embodiment apparatus 100 c of the disclosedsubject matter. This apparatus 100 c is similar to apparatus 100 a, 100b in components, construction and materials. Identical and/or similarcomponents for this apparatus 100 c have the same numbers, as those forapparatus 100 a and 100 b, and these components are in accordance withthe descriptions above, for apparatus 100 a and 100 b. The differencesbetween apparatus 100 c and apparatus 100 a and 100 b are detailedbelow.

The apparatus 100 c includes a ridge 115 in the channel 110, in the body100. The ridge 115 protrudes from the surface of the channel 110, and isof a height suitable for accommodating a corresponding gap 53, in thepole 50. For example, the gap 53 may be formed along the extensionportion 51 b of the male segment 51, between the edge surface 51 a ofthe male segment 51 and the edge surface 52 a of the receiving portion52 b of the female segment 52. The gap 53 may be, for example, of aheight and a width “g” (FIG. 21) suitable for holding the pole 50 (thatis correspondingly configured) in a frictionally secure engagement, toprevent sliding of the pole 50 in the channel 110. Assembly of the poles50 (pole 50 of FIG. 18), 60 into the apparatus 100 c is similar to thatdescribed above for apparatus 100 a and 100 b. The resultant engagementof the poles 50, 60 in the apparatus 100 c, is similar to that describedabove for apparatus 100 a and 100 b, and shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

While the apparatus 100 c has been shown with a single ridge 115,multiple ridges 115 in the channel 110 are also possible. These multipleridges may accommodate a pole 50 with one or more gaps 53.

Alternately, apparatus similar to apparatus 100 a, 100 b and 100 c maybe such that the channel 110 may include grooves 114 and ridges 115 inany number, provided they accommodate corresponding rings 200 and/orgaps 53.

FIGS. 22-25B show another embodiment apparatus 100 d of the disclosedsubject matter. This apparatus 100 d is similar to apparatus 100 b incomponents, construction and materials. Identical and/or similarcomponents for this apparatus 100 d have the same numbers, as those forapparatus 100 b, and these components are in accordance with thedescriptions above, for apparatus 100 b. The differences betweenapparatus 100 d and apparatus 100 b are detailed below.

The apparatus 100 d includes openings 120, that include base holes 122and outwardly tapered opening sections 124, that allow the pole 60 topivot therein, for example, in the direction of the double headed arrow170. The openings include base holes 122. The bore portion 121 aincludes cam surfaces 126, that form the major surfaces of the boreportion 121 a (the minor surfaces of the bore portion 121 a are betweenthe major surfaces, and are represented by the line 126 x in FIG. 24).The cam surfaces 126, for example, are diamond-like in shape and formedof edges 126 a. The edges 126 a are formed of curved portions 127 andstraight portions 128. The cam surfaces 126 are symmetrical, concentric(and coaxial along the axis Y1) and disposed opposite to each other. Thecam surfaces 126, as shown further in FIGS. 25A and 25B, are, forexample, of a width between the curved edges 128, and between oppositelyoriented straight edges 128, slightly less than the length (dimension)G′ (that may be equal to the length (dimension) G, detailed above) ofthe gap 63 between the male 61 and female 62 sections of the pole 60.The cam surfaces 126 are such that they serve as a guide for the pole60, upon pivoting (in the direction of the double headed arrow 170).

For example, in FIG. 25A, the pole 60 is in an initial orientation,where the gap 63 extends between the curved portions 127 of edges 126 aof the cam surfaces 126. Once pivoted, as shown in FIG. 25B, by movementin any direction of the arrow 170 a, the gap 63 extends between thestraight portions 128 of the edges 126 a, with the pivoting limited, asthe respective male 61 and female 62 sections of the pole 60 abut theirrespective opening sections 124.

FIG. 26 shows apparatus 100 d, exemplary of apparatus 100 a, 100 b and100 c, in an example operation. In this operation, the body 100, via thefoot 130, is connected to a clip 300. The clip 300 may be, for example,a conventional spring clip. The clip 300 engages a tab 310 of materialof the tent 20 in a clamping manner, to hold the tent 20 on therespective poles.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show another embodiment apparatus 100 f of the disclosedsubject matter. This apparatus 100 f is similar to apparatus 100 d incomponents, construction, materials and operation, as it allows for apole (for example, a pole 60 similar to that shown in FIGS. 22-25B) topivot in the bore 121. Identical and/or similar components for thisapparatus 100 f have the same numbers, as those for apparatus 100 d, andthese components are in accordance with the descriptions above, forapparatus 110 d. Apparatus 100 f differs from apparatus 100 d only inthat the legs 112′ are not open (when compared to the legs 112 ofapparatus 100 d) and the body 100 is solid in its midsection M, exceptfor the bore 121.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show another embodiment apparatus 100 g of the disclosedsubject matter. This apparatus 100 g is similar to apparatus 100 f incomponents, construction, materials and operation, as it allows for thepole 60 to pivot in the bore 121. Identical and/or similar componentsfor this apparatus 100 g have the same numbers, as those for apparatus100 f, and these components are in accordance with the descriptionsabove, for apparatus 100 f. Apparatus 100 g differs from apparatus 100 fonly in that it has a wide base 131 and lacks the foot 130 of apparatus100 f, at the end E2 (opposite end E1).

While preferred embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have beendescribed, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice thedisclosed subject matter, the preceding description is intended to beexemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of thedisclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus for connecting at least a first pole and a second pole,comprising: a body including: a bore extending through the body, thebore configured for receiving a first pole and retaining the first pole;and, a channel extending into the body for receiving a second pole in asnap-fit and retaining the pole in the channel in a locking manner. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is of a resilient material.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a partiallycylindrical portion that extends along the body between ends of thebody.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the partially cylindricalportion is round in cross section and is of an arc of greater then 180°.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bore and the channel areoriented substantially perpendicularly to each other.
 6. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the channel includes a groove extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of thechannel, the groove for receiving a ring attached to the second pole. 7.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the channel includes a protrusionextending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension ofthe channel, the protrusion for receipt by a groove on the second pole.8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bore includes a plurality oflarge diameter portions and a small diameter portion, intermediate thelarge diameter portions, the small diameter portion configured to retainthe first pole, to inhibit sliding in the direction of the extension ofthe bore.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the smaller diameterportion joins the larger diameter portions to define shoulders, theshoulders serving as travel limits for segments of the first pole thatattach in the bore to form the first pole.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the bore includes large diameter portion of widths greater thanthe width of a first pole and the small diameter portion includes atleast one cam surface, the at least one cam surface defining a guide forallowing pivoting of a first pole about the at least one cam surface.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one cam surfaceincludes two cam surfaces, oppositely disposed from each other.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a foot, the footconfigured for attaching to a clip member.
 13. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the channel includes a partially cylindrical portion thatextends along the body between ends of the body, and the body includesopening proximate to the lateral sides of the channel for providingadditional elastic behavior to the body.